In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Nigeria's Niger Delta region, the Bilabiri community has lodged a formal petition against Tantita Security Services and its leader, Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo. The petition, addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff, alleges a series of actions that threaten the community's sovereignty and control over local resources.

The conflict centers on a pipeline running through Bilabiri territory, which Tantita allegedly sought to clear and build upon without community consent. According to Paebi Samson, Secretary-General of Bilabiri Mein Kingdom, the dispute began in June 2024 when Tantita proposed a project that the community wished to undertake independently.

The situation reportedly deteriorated in December 2024 when Tantita requested bank details from the community chairman, a move that was rebuffed. Since then, the petition claims that Tantita and Tompolo have instigated unrest within Bilabiri, including financing detractors to spread misinformation about community leaders.

In a startling development, the Joint Task Force was deployed to Bilabiri under what the community asserts were false pretenses of illegal oil bunkering. The petition portrays this as an aggressive tactic aimed at wresting control of local lands and resources.

The community expresses deep concern over Tompolo's alleged conduct, suggesting he is attempting to build a "personal empire" through intimidation of fellow ex-agitators. This behavior, they argue, threatens not only Bilabiri but the entire Niger Delta region.

The conflict reached a new peak on July 28, 2024, when representatives claiming to be from Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited arrived, asserting they had contracts to secure pipeline segments. The lack of documentation presented led the community to refuse permission for any activities.

The Bilabiri community is now calling for immediate intervention from the Chief of Defence Staff to protect their rights and restore order. They seek assurance that any future projects involving their resources will be conducted in partnership with and respect for community leadership.

As tensions continue to simmer in this resource-rich region, all eyes are on the military leadership's response to these serious allegations. The outcome of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for community rights and resource management across the Niger Delta.